What does fault code PAM-E001 mean?

Diagnostic fault code details for PAM-E001 (Volvo C30 (2007–2013), Volvo C30 Electric (2011–2013), Volvo C70 (2006–2013)). Repair service at OBD Tuning.

VOLVO

PAM-E001 - Control module communication. Faulty communication

System

Parking Assistance Module (PAM)

Volvo models this fault code applies to

Applies to the following models:

5 models

C30 (2007–2013), C30 Electric (2011–2013), C70 (2006–2013), S40 (2004–2013), V50 (2004–2013)

Show models by year and engine (5)

What does this fault code mean?

The parking assistance module (PAM) has registered a serious disturbance in communication on the controller area network (CAN), the serial data network the car's control modules use to talk to each other. The fault concerns the low-speed network (LS-CAN). The cause may be a short-circuit or open circuit in the CAN wires, or a control module sending faulty messages.

Possible causes

Short-circuit between the CAN wires
Open circuit in one of the CAN wires
Internal fault in the parking assistance module
Internal fault in another control module on the same part of the CAN network

What you can do

1Read and clear the code, then test drive the car to see whether it comes back
2Check whether codes are stored in the central electronic module (CEM); it monitors the voltage on the CAN wires and can show a short to ground or supply voltage
3If you have a diagnostic tool, check for codes in the other control modules, since a module sending faulty messages can disturb the whole network
4Check that the connectors on the CAN wires are firmly seated and free from oxidation, and that the wires are not chafed
5Have a workshop measure the resistance in the CAN network, as the measurement requires parts of the car to be dismantled
6If fault tracing points out a control module that communicates incorrectly, have a workshop replace it

Symptoms you may notice2

The information lamp is lit
Message in the text display

What the fault can affect2

The parking assistance module switches itself off from the CAN network (bus-off) and stays off until the power supply is interrupted
When the car is restarted, the control module tries to communicate again

General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.